NZINGHA: WARRIOR QUEEN OF MATAMBA, ANGOLA, AFRICA1595 by Patricia McKissak

If you enjoy reading diaries, then this is the book for you. Young thirteen-year-old Nzingha, a princess in Angola, Africa fights for her people’s land within the walls of her own castle. When she goes to a Portuguese priest to make a peace establishment, she learns from one of the priest’s servants tell her about slavery. Nzingha is shocked and goes against slavery until she dies. This book includes some illustrations, along with an epilogue for more information about Nzingha’s life.

I think that one of my favorite parts of the book is when a prince comes to Nzingha’s castle. The prince’s name is Prince Azeze. When he sees that there is no place to sit, he gets a servant to bend down like chair to sit on.

I think girls who are 9-10 years old will enjoy this book.

RATING: **** 

Freedom Wings by Sharon Dennis Wyeth

My book is about a colored family that is trying to get across the Ohio River to be free. The part that I remember most about this book was when a guy gets beat up. I think girls age 13-15 will enjoy this book RATING: * Chuzzle

Son of Liberty by ???

It's about a black kid during the 1700's. He works for a Quaker but he is not a slave. He is a horse handler. He is very good with animals. But then he gets kicked off the farm. It is a very good book. My favorite(???) part was when the rabid fox attacked his mom. Then his mom dies. I think boys aged 9-12 will enjoy this book RATING: **** Julio Hobo

Just read "To Be a Slave" (Lester) and "Slave Dancer" (Fox) for a 5th grade teacher concerned with the use of the "N" word...both books were excellent, and although the pc-ness (political correctness) of the "N" word is up for discussion, I felt the accurate portrayal of history overpowered any reservations we may have had. I would recommend both books...they were different, in that "Slave Dancer" was historical fiction, and "To Be a Slave" was a compilation of accounts from prior slaves. But again, both exemplified the conditions of the era and were extremely well-written.